Warren Lundeen

Warren Joseph Lundeen, 95, joined his wife, Bonnie, the love of his life, in heaven, on Sunday January 22, 2017. His family surrounded him with love and compassion and, with reluctance, released their embrace so he could move on.

Warren was born in Duluth on March 12, 1921. His father owned Lundeen’s Shoe Store and his childhood was spent living near the store in West Duluth. He graduated from “Dear Old Denfeld High” in 1939. He hitchhiked to the University of Minnesota and was an academic and an athlete. Although he played football, hockey and baseball, his greatest achievement as a Golden Gopher was when his team won the Big 10 Hockey Championship.

He enlisted in the navy and while in training at St. Olaf College he met the love of his life at a USO dance. He received his flight training at Gonzaga College and was later assigned to the US Naval Air Transport.

After the war, he reenrolled at the University of Minnesota and used the GI Bill to earn a degree in Business Administration.

Most of his career was with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota. He retired as District Manager for Northeastern Minnesota.

Warren helped establish and build Pike Lake Presbyterian Church. He was an elder, a singer, a gardener and a big time promoter of the annual Salmon Dinner. He was the last remaining charter member.

Warren was a doer and he was enthusiastically involved in Rotary, The Lake Avenue Loafers, Pike Lake Area Association, M Club, Denfeld Class Reunions, Canosia Township and fellowship wherever he went.

Warren’s biggest and best joys in his beautiful life were his family, playing golf, following all sports, writing letters, making lists, having fun in the kitchen, picking blueberries, growing marigolds, trying to grow sweet peas, fishing for walleye, appreciating every sunrise and watching the seasons change from his picture window view of Pike Lake.

Warren and Bonnie were grateful for the beautiful life they were able to provide for their family in the home they built on Pike Lake. Their children and their families know they have been blessed.

His positive attitude and exuberance for life were exhibited in everything he did. He died trying to reach 100 years old, hoping for a chance to be have his picture featured on a Smucker’s Strawberry Jam jar.

Warren has been welcomed to heaven by his greatest love, Bonnie; parents Pearl (Stortz) Lundeen, Joseph Lundeen, and Meta Lundeen; father-in law and mother-in law Dr. William Sheldon and Wanda Gladstone; brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Carol Lundeen: brother-in-law and sister-in law Dr. William Sheldon II and Ruth Gladstone.

Celebrating his life are his children and their families; Peggy Lundeen and Tiffany and Zachary Venne; Sharon Lundeen (Doug Mahnke); Wanda Lundeen and Nicholas Netzel (Susannah Maynard) and baby due in February, Natalie Netzel (Daniel Tikk) and Ned Netzel; Russell Lundeen (Cindy) and Mallory Swierk (Justin) and baby due in June, Delaney and Abby Lundeen; Nancy Marchetti (James) and Joseph, Allison and Melanie Marchetti; nieces and nephews Denise Korngold (Jack), Don Gladstone (Janet), Steve Gladstone (Susan Capestro), David Lundeen (Mary), extra special niece, Barbie Lewis (Stephen) and all of their growing families; Bonus people; Tom Jackson, Bruce Dardis, Grant Cook, Tim Chaney and Derek Johnson and all of the wonderful people who have known him, loved him,  cared for him and enjoyed him!

Service: 12 Noon Saturday in Pike Lake Community Church, 5611 Martin Rd., Duluth, MN 55811. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday in the Dougherty Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service in the church.

Warren loved Pike Lake and his community, so, to honor him, instead of flowers, his family requests donations to: Pike Lake Area Association whose mission is to preserve the environmental integrity of the Pike Lake area, c /o Tom Whittaker, 5968 N Pike Lake Rd. Duluth, MN 55811.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral home, 600 E 2 ^nd St. Duluth, MN, (218) 727-3555.